A potential oil spill would cover a significant area around Ningaloo Reef and all down Western Australia's Coral Coast--incorporating neighboring islands, critical areas of marine life and one the State's important commercial fishing zones.

Ningaloo is one of the longest fringing reefs on the planet that is home hundreds of species of coral and fish, including sharks, dolphins, manta rays and humpback whales. Every autumn whale sharks congregate in the area to feed. Four of the world's seven marine turtle species, all of which are listed as vulnerable or endangered by the IUCN, live in the vicinity.